If your February is currently 80% “work” and 20% “where did my social life go?”, consider this your gentle nudge: the Estonian House in Sydney is hosting a proper Sõbrapäeva Simman — and yes, you’re invited.
What are we celebrating? In Estonia, 14 February is sõbrapäev (Friends’ Day) — a celebration of friendship, connection and love in all its forms (not just the roses-and-pressure Valentine’s version). Think: besties, mates, chosen family, long-distance legends and the friend who sends you a meme instead of a 700-word emotional check-in (deeply valid). And yes — Estonians often send Happy Friends’ Day greetings to parents and siblings too. In our world, family can absolutely count as friends.
Event information
📅 Date: Friday, 13 February 2026
🕖 Time: 7.00 pm – 11.00 pm
📍 Location: Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2011
🎟️ Tickets: $25 (Estonian Society of Sydney members) and $30 (guests)
🔗 Ticketing link: www.trybooking.com/DGNDE
What’s happening on the night
On Friday 13 February, the party kicks off with live energy from the father-and-daughter duo Jaan Kirss and Helena Victoria Kirss.
Musician and showman Jaan Kirss isn’t just turning up with a drum kit and a smile — he’s known in Estonia as a sought-after peojuht (MC) who knows exactly how to read a room and keep a party moving (the kind of talent that should probably come with a national certificate). He’s also a multi-instrumentalist and singer — and for anyone who enjoys a little retro sparkle with their simman, he has played drums in the great Estonian band Apelsin.
His daughter Helena Victoria Kirss, who now lives in Australia, brings the kind of rhythm energy — and the “one more song!” momentum — that mysteriously relocates you closer to the dance floor. She’s a drummer, educator and drum show artist who has performed with a range of well-known Estonian and international artists, blending showmanship with the kind of musical confidence that keeps the night buzzing.
Expect dance-friendly rhythms, warm banter and the kind of musical chemistry you only get from family. Here’s a teaser of what’s coming, shared by the Kirss family on Instagram:
Bring your people (or borrow someone else’s)
This is a bring-a-friend night — and we mean that broadly. Bring your partner, your neighbour, your book club buddy, your “I promise I’ll come out” friend, or your favourite human from the “it’s complicated but we still dance” category. The whole point of sõbrapäev is that everyone gets to feel included.
Highlights you can brag about later
Here’s what to expect:
- live music + dance-friendly rhythms (gentle, non-compulsory nudge to join the dance floor)
- big-hearted Friends’ Day atmosphere (zero awkward romance requirements)
- a community night at the Estonian House — Sydney’s home base for many a good time.
Meet you on the dance floor
See you on the dance floor — because friendship deserves one. Come even if you have two left feet: no judgement, plenty of good music, and excellent people-watching options from the sidelines with your favourite drink in hand.
Read more
🔗 Facebook event link: Link
🔗 Read more about the Kirss family (Estonian): Link
🔗 Vikerraadio/ERR segment with Jaan Kirss: Link
🔗 Helena Victoria Kirss (English profile): Link
🔗 Helena Victoria Kirss on Instagram: Link
Acknowledgement
Thank you to the Estonian Society of Sydney for information and poster.
